100 years ago

In interviews with survivors of the Bayano, an Ayr correspondent learned that a loud explosion had taken place on board at about 5 o’clock, and that the vessel had remained afloat for about three minutes.

There had been no time to lower the boats. It had been every man for himself, but there was absolutely no panic, and until the vessel was engulfed not a man had left the ship. Several of the survivors had spoken of the heroism of Captain Carr.

One man told how he had rushed to get the lifebelts and had distributed several when the captain clapped him on the back and said, “Good lad, save yourself.” He then shook hands with him and stepped on to the bridge.

The next moment the cruiser began to go down bows first, with the captain at his post.

It was presumed that the Bayano had encountered a German submarine.

The majority of the survivors had left Ayr for Portsmouth by train.

On their way through the streets they had presented a strange spectacle, being dressed in all sorts of garb, which had been provided for them, but as they proceeded were occasionally cheered by the townspeople.

 

50 years ago

One in ten of all married women in York made use of clinics to receive advice and help from the Family Planning Association.

This had been revealed to members of the York and District Branch of the association at its annual meeting.

The secretary, Mrs Barbara Scott, said that in 1961 there were 16,801 married women up to the age of 49.

Allowing for attendances by people from around York, this meant that one in ten women in the city visited clinics.

Referring to the Branch’s domiciliary work, Dr S Dronfield said that, in spite of clinics, people were given advice in their own homes. Some people simply did not go to clinics, though often they were the ones who needed advice most.

Despite the publicity, some people did not know about clinics or thought them not the place for ordinary people.


25 years ago

Superstore trolleys in Pickering were likely to be loaned out at £1 a time.

Management at Safeway believed it was the only way to control their haphazard use.

Ryedale District Council was tired of complaints about discarded trolleys littering The Ropery car park once shoppers had transferred their shopping.

The superstore was prepared to fund new trolley parks – one in the middle of the car park and the other in a grassed area between public conveniences and the riverside walk.

These two parks – along with the one adjoining the superstore – would operate on a lending system, with a £1 coin as deposit.